Dec 2 Retro-Pop Band, Copilot, Release Second Album That'll Make You Shimmy

If Copilot doesn't make you wanna shake and shimmy, it's probably because you haven't heard them yet. The Massachusetts-based band have concocted a captivating blend of foot-stomping folk-pop rhythms with retro swing elements. The result is nothing short of addicting: led by two powerhouse vocalists and aided by seriously talented instrumentalists, Copilot is a band to reckon with.

Copilot released their latest full-length record last week, entitled Second Impression: Hello My Name Is Copilot. The album comes a few months after the band's First Impression, the perfect introduction to the musical evolution to come.

Second Impression opens with up-tempo love song "Love Fuels My Greed," an even duet between Ry McDonald's strong vocals and Maggie Quealy's passionate performance. "Middle Part" finds Maggie taking center stage with an in-your-face girl-power anthem. Soulful and retro-rock in its instrumentation, the song could be a direct descendant of fellow multi-genre band Lake Street Dive's "Side Pony," another nod to a signature hairstyle as told by powerhouse females. Next comes "Kissing & Cursing," the sweet rockabilly tune we were happy to cover back in August. "Go Missing" comes next, easily the standout track on Second Impression. A minimalist guitar arrangement kicks it off, assisting Ry's soft steady voice, giving off major Jack Johnson vibes. Soon, organic percussion and vibrant rhythms join the background of a wholesome harmony, completely elevating the song to repeat-worthy status.

On "These Pains," twangy guitar (inspired by The Avett Brothers, we'd guess) makes way for Maggie's heartfelt performance, dipping and soaring at certain points for a gorgeous crescendo effect. Howling harmonies offer further emotion for an instrumentally stripped ballad. Next is "Look At My Umbrella," a high-energy creative romp. Fuzzy vocals and a quiet guitar line start it off before growing into an explosive musical camarederie. Percussive stomps and slaps merge with plucky rhythms while Ry and Maggie give their all to a vibrant retro vocal performance. The song continues to evolve right before your ears, thick with layers of shimmering tones and hook-heavy vocal variations. "In This Wilderness" is a folksy gem led by quirky storytelling, simple rhythms, and soft harmony. Second Impression ends with "Saints In The Stars," a rollicking electric rock track that introduces a never-before-heard Copilot. Maggie's raw, rich voice opens the song while groggy blues-rock rhythms infiltrate the empty spaces, transforming Copilot's retro-pop into heavy multi-instrumental heaven.

The members of Copilot are magicians: they are beyond skilled at their craft, but they are constantly reinventing themselves, experimenting with new and wild intricacies. The consistency on Second Impression lies in their ability to mix buttery vocals with fiery instrumentation, weaving the two in an impeccable dance of musical delicacy. This is music to swoon over, music to dance to, music to bang down your neighbor's door for, music to grab your friend's hand for, just to get a chance to share the sonic love.